Owing to the emergence of energy storage and electric vehicles, the desire for safe high-energy-density energy storage devices has increased research interest in anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs). Unlike general LMBs, in which excess Li exists to compensate for the irreversible loss of Li, only the current collector is employed as an anode and paired with a lithiated cathode in the fabrication of AFLMBs. Owing to their unique cell configuration, AFLMBs have attractive characteristics, including the highest energy density, safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, developing AFLMBs with extended cyclability remains an issue for practical applications because the high reactivity of Li with limited inventory causes severely low Coulombic efficiency, poor cyclability, and dendrite growth. To address these issues, tremendous effort has been devoted to stabilize Li-metal anodes for AFLMBs. In this review, we highlight the importance and challenges of AFLMBs. Then, we thoroughly review diverse strategies, such as modifying current collectors, the formation of robust interfaces by engineering advanced electrolytes, and operation protocols. Finally, a future perspective on the strategy is provided to insight into the basis of future research. We hope that this review provides a comprehensive understanding by reviewing previous research and arousing more interest in this field.

As implantable medical electronics (IMEs) developed for healthcare monitoring and biomedical therapy are extensively explored and deployed clinically, the demand for non-invasive implantable biomedical electronics is rapidly surging. Current rigid and bulky implantable microelectronic power sources are prone to immune rejection and incision, or cannot provide enough energy for long-term use, which greatly limits the development of implantable medical devices. Herein, a comprehensive review of the historical development of IMEs and the applicable miniaturised power sources along with advantages and limitations is given. Despite recent advances in microfabrication techniques, biocompatible materials have facilitated the development of IMEs system toward non-invasive, ultra-flexible, bioresorbable, wireless and multifunctional, progress in the development of minimally invasive power sources in implantable systems has remained limited. Here we summarise three promising minimally invasive power sources, including energy storage devices (biodegradable primary batteries, rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors), human body energy harvesters (nanogenerators and biofuel cells) and wireless power transfer (far-field radiofrequency radiation, near-field wireless power, ultrasonic and photovoltaic power). The energy storage and harvesting mechanism, configurational design, output power and applications in vivo are discussed. It is expected to give a comprehensive understanding of the IMEs for painless health monitoring and biomedical therapy with long-term stable function

The realization of a complete techno-economy through a significant carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction in the atmosphere has been explored in various ways. CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RRs) can be induced using sustainable energy, including electric and solar energy, using systems such as electrochemical (EC) CO2RR and photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems. This study summarizes various fabrication strategies for non-noble metal, copper-based, and metal-organic framework-based catalysts with excellent FE for target carbon compounds, and for noble metals with low overvoltages. Even though EC and PEC systems exhibit high energy-conversion efficiency using excellent catalysts, they are not completely bias-free operations because they require external power. Therefore, photovoltaics, which can overcome the limitations of these systems, have been introduced. The utilization of silicon and perovskite solar cells for photovaltaics-assisted EC (PV-EC) and photovaltaics-assisted PEC (PV-PEC) CO2RR systems are cost efficient, and the III-V semiconductor photoabsorbers achieved high solar-to-carbon efficiency. This review focuses on all the members composed of PV-EC and PV-PEC CO2RR systems and then summarizes the special cell configurations, including the tandem and stacked structures. Moreover, current problems such as a low energy conversion rate, expensive PV, theoretical limitations, and scale-up to industrialization are discussed with the suggested direction.

Mechanical forces play a crucial role in biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels. Recent advancements in dynamic force spectroscopies (DFS) have enabled the application and measurement of forces and displacements with high resolutions, providing insights into the mechanical pathways involved in various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and COVID-19. Among the various DFS techniques, biomembrane force probe (BFP) advancements have improved our ability to measure bond kinetics and cellular mechanosensing with pico-newton and nano-meter resolutions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the classical BFP-DFS setup and highlight key advancements, including the development of dual biomembrane force probe (dBFP) and fluorescence biomembrane force probe (fBFP). BFP-DFS not only enables the investigation of dynamic bond behaviors on living cells, but also contributed significantly to our understanding of the specific ligand–receptor axes mediated cell mechanosensing. Besides, we explore the contribution of discoveries made possible by BFP-DFS in cancer biology, thrombosis, and inflammation, as well as predict future BFP upgrades to improve output and feasibility. Although BFP-DFS is still a niche research modality, its contribution to the growing field of cell mechanobiology is unparalleled, and its potential to elucidate novel therapeutic discoveries is significant.

Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition was an important pathomechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ generation was highly regulated by beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), which is a prime drug target for AD therapy. Silence of BACE1 function to slow down Aβ production was accepted as an effective strategy for combating AD. Herein, BACE1 interfering RNA, metallothionein (MT) and ruthenium complexes ([Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+) were all loaded in prussian blue nanoparticles (PRM-siRNA). PRM-siRNA under near-infrared light (NIR) irradiation showed good photothermal effect and triggered instantaneous opening of blood-brain barrier (BBB) for enhanced drug delivery. BACE1 siRNA slowed down Aβ production and Cu2+ chelation by metallothionein (MT) synergistically inhibited Aβ aggregation. Ruthenium (Ru) could real-timely track Aβ degradation and aggregation. The results indicated that PRM-siRNA significantly blocked Aβ aggregation, and attenuated Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and apoptosis in vitro by inhibiting ROS-mediated oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction through regulating Bcl-2 family. PRM-siRNA in vivo effectively improved APP/PS1 mice learning and memory by alleviating neural loss, neurofibrillary tangles and activation of astrocytes and microglial cells in APP/PS1 mice by inhibiting BACE1, oxidative damage and tau phosphorylation. Taken together, our findings validated that BACE1 siRNA-loaded prussian blue nanocomplexes showed enhanced BBB penetrability and AD synergy therapy.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems harness light absorption to initiate chemical reactions, while electrochemical reactions facilitate the conversion of reactants into desired products, ensuring more efficient and sustainable energy conversion in PECs. Central to optimizing the performance of PECs was the pivotal role played by interface engineering. This intricate process involved manipulating material interfaces at the atomic or nanoscale to enhance charge transfer, improve catalytic activity, and address limitations associated with bulk materials. The careful tuning of factors such as band gap, surface energy, crystallinity, defect characteristics, and structural attributes through interface engineering led to superior catalytic efficiency. Specifically, interface engineering significantly enhanced the efficiency of semiconductor-based PECs. Engineers strategically designed heterojunctions and manipulated catalyst surface properties to optimize the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers, minimizing recombination losses and improving performance overall. In this review, we categorized our discussion into five sections focusing on PECs and interface engineering, providing valuable insights into recent research trends. Overall, the synergy between PECs and interface engineering holds tremendous promise for advancing renewable energy technologies and addressing environmental challenges by offering innovative solutions for sustainable energy conversion and storage.

Molecular imaging is a non-invasive imaging method that is widely used for visualization and detection of biological events at cellular or molecular levels. Stimuli-responsive linkers that can be selectively cleaved by specific biomarkers at desired sites to release or activate imaging agents are appealing tools to improve the specificity, sensitivity, and efficacy of molecular imaging. This review summarizes the recent advances of stimuli-responsive linkers and their application in molecular imaging, highlighting the potential of these linkers in the design of activatable molecular imaging probes. We hope that this review could inspire more research interests in the development of responsive linkers and associated imaging applications.

Fixation of CO 2 through photocatalytic cycloaddition with epoxides to synthesize cyclic carbonates is an important but challenging process. In this work, carbon dots (CDs) synthesized from gallic acid and polyethylenimine are used for the efficient catalytic cycloaddition of CO 2 with epoxides in the absence of any solvent, additives, and halides, and importantly upon irradiation by natural sunlight. Specifically, carbon dots generated thermal energy and electrons upon solar irradiation, which together with their surface N-sites activated the inert CO 2. Meanwhile, epoxides were activated by the surface hydroxyl and carboxylic groups of the carbon dots, which reacted with activated CO 2 at solar thermal-induced high temperatures. The CDs shows excellent stability and recyclability during the catalysis. A 1000 mmol scale reaction for cyclic carbonate synthesis performed well upon irradiation with natural sunlight in the presence of CDs, showing great potential for the industrial application due to the simple, mild, and energy-saving process.

The process and mechanism of biomineralization and relevant physicochemical properties of mineral crystals are remarkably sophisticated multidisciplinary fields that include biology, chemistry, physics, and materials science. The components of the organic matter, structural construction of minerals, and related mechanical interaction, etc., could help to reveal the unique nature of the special mineralization process. Herein, the paper provides an overview of the biomineralization process from the perspective of molecular vibrational spectroscopy, including the physicochemical properties of biomineralized tissues, from physiological to applied mineralization. These physicochemical characteristics closely to the hierarchical mineralization process include biological crystal defects, chemical bonding, atomic doping, structural changes, and content changes in organic matter, along with the interface between biocrystals and organic matter as well as the specific mechanical effects for hardness and toughness. Based on those observations, the special physiological properties of mineralization for enamel and bone, as well as the possible mechanism of pathological mineralization and calcification such as atherosclerosis, tumor micro mineralization, and urolithiasis are also reviewed and discussed. Indeed, the clearly defined physicochemical properties of mineral crystals could pave the way for studies on the mechanisms and applications.

Peptide RL-QN15 derived from skin secretions of Rana limnocharis has a pronounced pro-healing effect on acute and chronic wounds, but its precise mechanism is remains to be elucidated. Epidermal stem cells are of utmost importance in wound healing and thus constitute a primary focus of wound repair research. Here, we explored the mechanism of RL-QN15 promoting wound healing by regulating epidermal stem cells. Our results showed that RL-QN15 activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by binding to the FZD8. This interaction resulted in the up-regulation of target genes MYC and CCND1, thereby facilitating the proliferation of epidermal stem cells. MMP3 can degrade E-cadherin and activate Wnt/β-catenin pathway further. This enhanced pathway activity induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and N-cadherin expression, further encouraging cell proliferation and migration. RL-QN15 can also effect the stemness of epidermal stem cells. In summary, as an excellent candidate for novel pro-healing agent, RL-QN15 can promote the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway through binding with membrane receptor FZD8, thus regulating epidermal stem cell functions and promoting wound healing. This study elucidated a novel mechanism by which amphibian-derived peptides promote skin wound healing, focusing on the regulatory role of epidermal stem cells and providing a new target for skin regeneration research.

To overcome the overheating phenomena of electronic devices and energy components, developing advanced energy-free cooling coatings with promising radiative property seem an effective and energy-saving way. However, the further application of these coatings is greatly limited by their sustainability because of their fragile and easy contamination. Herein, we report that a bioinspired radiative cooling coating (BRCC) displayed sustainably efficient heat dissipation by the combination of high emittance and robust self-cleaning property. With hierarchical porous structure constructed by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), modified SiO2 and FSi resin, the involvement of the BRCC improves the cooling performance by increasing ca. 25% total heat transfer coefficient. During the abrasion and soiling tests, the robust self-cleaning capability endows BRCC-coated Al alloy heat sink with stable radiative cooling performance. Moreover, the simulation and experimental results both revealed that reducing surface coverage of BRCC (ca. 80.9 %) can still keep highly cooling efficiency, leading to a cost-effective avenue. Therefore, this study may guide the design and fabrication of advanced radiative cooling coating.

Magnetothermal neuromodulation is a minimally-invasive, deep-brain accessible and tether-free technique. The precisely timed activation of thermosensitive ion channels, such as TRPV1, with local heat generated using magnetic nanoparticles is crucial for efficient neuromodulation. Nevertheless, this technique is greatly hindered by its long stimulus-response time and high safety risks due to the poor heat-generating performance of the nanomediators. Herein, we report the establishment of a ferrimagnetic vortex iron oxide nanoring (FVIO)-mediated magnetothermal neurostimulation technique that is efficient and safe. Compared with widely used superparamagnetic iron oxide nanomediators (SPIOs), the FVIOs triggered Ca2+ influx into HEK293T cells and cortical neurons at an Fe concentration of 54 μg/mL, which is 20.27-fold lower than that needed for SPIOs. In vivo magnetothermal stimulation in the central nucleus of the amygdala of mice further demonstrated that FVIOs with the optimal dose of 0.05 μg evoked fear behaviors with an average latency of 2.51 s, which was 2.3-fold faster than that in the SPIO (0.8 μg)-treated group. More importantly, FVIOs-mediated stimulation not only exhibited negligible histopathological alterations and proinflammatory cytokine expression, but also successfully elicited fear behaviors in transgene-free mice. The FVIO-mediated efficient and safe neuromodulation has the potential for future neuroscience exploitation and neurological disease treatment.

Developing smart hydrogel with excellent physicochemical properties and multiple signal output capability for interactively electronic skin still remains challenging. Here, a conductive structural color hydrogels with desirable physicochemical properties (including high stretchability and robustness, self-adhesion and self-healing) was developed to provide synchronous electronic and visual color signals for e-skins. Highly charged elastic nanoparticles were elaborately used as building units for structural color and the hydrogel were prepared by the self-assembly of the nanoparticle to form a non-close-packed array in a mixture comprised of acrylamide, SF, rGO and then photopolymerization. Benefiting from the improved interfacial compatibility between flexible hydrogel network and elastic nanoparticle, covalent cross-linking network structure and synergistic multiple non-covalent bonding interactions, the hydrogel exhibits extraordinary mechanical properties, excellent self-adhesion to diverse substrate and self-healing at room temperature. In addition, the hydrogel also exhibited sensitive resistance changes and synchronous structural color changes under strain. As a proof-to-concept, the hydrogel displayed superior capability for real-time color-sensing and electrical signal monitoring of various human motions, the spatial distribution of external mechanical stimuli as well as identification of different external stimuli, indicating promising applications in the fields of interactively visual electronic skin, wearable devices, and human-machine interfaces.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted considerable attention due to their potential for high-efficiency conversion and cost-effective fabrication. Although the fabrication of perovskite films in ambient air offers environmental and cost advantages, the presence of water vapor and oxygen may induce instability in these films, thereby affecting device performance. This review aims to comprehensively explore recent advancements in the fabrication of PSCs in ambient air, while investigating various factors contributing to perovskite degradation. Addressing these challenges, diverse fabrication strategies are outlined, encompassing compositional, additive, solvent, and interface engineering to enhance the performance and stability of PSCs fabricated under ambient air. To facilitate the commercialization of PSCs, this paper summarizes several widely employed methods for the large-scale manufacturing of PSCs. Through this review, we aim to offer some invaluable insights and guidance for the commercialization trajectory of PSCs, as well as the pros and cons to their widespread applications in the field of renewable energy.

Wound healing in movable parts poses challenges due to frequent activities, leading to delayed recovery and heightened susceptibility to bacterial infections and inflammation. Although hydrogel-based dressings have been explored, their therapeutic effectiveness is limited by their poor resistance to stimuli and low mechanical strength. Here, to address this issue, we present a novel self-activated multifunctional PHC bandage that not only prevents bacterial infection but also capitalizes on the inherent mobility of the affected area to expedite the wound healing process. The PHC bandage was fabricated by incorporating photothermal copper bismuth sulfide (Cu3BiS3) nanoparticles (NPs) into piezoelectric and pyroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Upon exposure to near-infrared light, the embedded Cu3BiS3 nanoparticles generate localized heat, activating the PVDF and inducing the production of abundant reactive oxygen species for bacterial inactivation. Furthermore, the continuous movement of the wounded area triggers the PVDF to generate a sustained electrical field, promoting cell migration and proliferation to facilitate wound healing. Importantly, the robust encapsulation of PVDF ensures secure containment of the loaded Cu3BiS3 nanoparticles, improving the biocompatibility and sustainable utilization of this innovative wound dressing. This innovative design offers a promising and effective solution to improve wound healing in movable parts, potentially revolutionizing wound care technology.

High expression of cellular self-activated immunosuppressive molecules and extensive infiltration of suppressive immune cells in the tumor microenvironment are the main factors leading to the resistance of glioma to immunotherapy. However, the technology related to modifying the expression of glioma cellular self-molecules based on gene editing still needs to be developed. In this project, cell therapy strategies were developed to reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioma (TIME). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow were used as carriers to express bioactive proteins, which could exhibit tumor-homing characteristics in response to tumor TGF-β signals. MSCs were modified to express the secretory anti-tumor immune cytokine IL-12 and the nCD47-SLAMF7 fusion protein, which regulates the phagocytosis of macrophages. The engineered MSCs are then injected in situ into the area near the glioma to bypass the blood-brain barrier and provide localized high concentrations of bioactive proteins. This approach could significantly activate natural and adaptive immune cells in the TIME, ultimately leading to the effective control of glioma. This study provides a new strategy for the clinical treatment of glioma patients and the prevention of postoperative recurrence.

Autophagy is a process of engulfing cytoplasmic proteins or organelles, thereby fulfilling cells’ metabolic needs and the renewal of specific organelles. Given its key roles in tumor progression, autophagy has attracted tremendous attention in cancer therapies. Notably, there is a megatrend to integrating autophagy regulation into mainstream treatments. This review focuses on autophagy-targeting nanomedicine (ApT-NM) to modulate autophagy in tumor therapy, including the unmodified and functionalized nanoparticles that target tumors by carrying autophagy modulators. On the one hand, it can reverse treatment resistance by inhibiting protective autophagy, and on the other hand, it can promote the death of cancer cells through type II apoptosis by inducing autophagy. Moreover, advanced nanoplatforms combining various treatments (such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy, etc.) have also been summarized. Last, the future perspectives and directions for ApT-NM research are provided, hoping to emphasize this rising filed and promote the development of ApT-NM.

The abnormal tumor vascular networks fuel the tumor growth and aggravate the tumor hypoxia. Although vascular normalization therapy (VNT) was clinically effective, the long period before vascular normalization window (VNW) initiation presents significant prognostic challenges. Here, we developed a platelet-mimetic nano-system, IA@PM, which was self-assembled by apatinib (APA) and indocyanine green and further coated with platelet membrane (PM). IA@PM accelerates the pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors balance to significantly expedite the VNW initiation of APA from the 4th day to the 2nd day post-treatment through rationally utilizing photodynamic therapy (PDT). Benefiting from this VNW initiation acceleration, the timelier and facilitated tumor drug delivery was achieved. This process further constructs a self-amplified therapeutic cycle between VNT and PDT, contributing to the excellent antitumor effects. Collectively, IA@PM breaks key limiting factors in current VNT efficacy by accelerating VNW initiation and also significantly promotes PDT antitumor efficacy with lower doses of ICG, bringing revolutionary new strategies in VNT.